Thursday, April 25, 2013

Coming Home

We made one last foray to Shamian Island this morning, finding respite from the heavy, gray, ninety-three degree weather. The beautiful island -- and a stop for iced coffee -- refreshed us. Mercy enjoyed playing with other children at a playground on the island where grandparents fussed over little ones and dancers and musicians practiced at the water’s edge.

Returning to the hotel for nap time and packing, we later wandered the back alleys of our neighborhood. It was a sweet good-bye to this city.

The gray emptied from the sky tonight, and as I type, the rain pours and thunder crashes. Sister is tucked in for the night and chatting from her crib, and our bags are zipped, ready to go.

We leave our hotel at 5:30 tomorrow morning, Friday here in Guangzhou. A three hour flight takes us to Beijing, where we have a four hour layover. We then board a plane for an eleven hour flight, arriving in Seattle at noon on Friday...a very longFriday.

We are longing for home but so thankful for the gift that is returning with us, our Mercy Lei. God is good always.

Wow! Your time seemed to go so fast! I can't wait to hear more when you get home and settled--including HOW you were able to spend so much time at Shamien?? Did you take a taxi every day or brave the subway (neither of which is an easy feat!--we missed Shamian our last go-round--only got there once!). Safe and happy travels!!!